Irish Horticulture exports grow by 4% to €325m in 2024

The UK remains the largest single market for Irish food, drink, and horticulture exports, with a 7% increase in value, reaching €5.9 billion
13 January 2025
The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 5% last year to a record €17 billion, according to the recently published Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report for 2024/25.
Irish horticulture exports, including cereals and other horticultural products, grew by 4% in 2024, reaching a total value of €325 million. This growth occurred amid global trade challenges, including inflation and geopolitical instability.
The EU now accounts for 35% of all Irish food, drink, and horticulture exports, slightly down from 36% in 2023. The UK remains the largest single market for Irish food, drink, and horticulture exports, with a 7% increase in value, reaching €5.9 billion.
Despite the smaller size of the horticulture sector compared to dairy and meat, this positive performance highlights its ongoing importance to Ireland’s export economy.
Bord Bia’s Origin Green sustainability programme continues to support the sector by promoting environmentally responsible practices, which are becoming increasingly valued in international markets.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, said: “It is very encouraging that this annual analysis report from Bord Bia shows a hugely positive performance for the 2024 export value of Irish food and drink at €17 billion. Add to this the value of non-edible products and Irish agri-food exports are in the region of €19 billion, a figure approaching a 5% increase on 2023. This is a significant achievement, given the prevailing impact of cost inflation and market volatility.
“Despite these ongoing challenges, the sector time and again proves its resilience. Our food companies, our farmers, fishers, and food and drink producers have, at each stage of the production cycle, contributed to the Agri-Food sector’s performance in 2024. I know they will continue to do so in the future, underpinned by the strategic insight, marketing and promotion support provided by Bord Bia.”
According to Bord Bia’s CEO Sentiment Survey, most Irish food and drink exporters remain optimistic about achieving growth in 2025. Confidence is particularly strong in the European and UK markets, with over two-thirds of respondents anticipating opportunities for expansion in these regions.
Bord Bia chief executive Jim O’Toole, said: “Climate change remains the most pressing challenge for our sector and, working with our national sustainability programme Origin Green, we must maintain our focus on maximising market value, while also safeguarding our environment. The programme’s emphasis on verified and measurable sustainability outcomes has been instrumental in shaping Ireland’s reputation on the global stage over the past decade and will continue to underpin the resilience and success of Ireland’s agri-food sector in the years to come.”
Fans 0
Followers